To develop digital content that serves your clients' or audience's needs, you require the services of a sales director in digital advertising. The sales director in digital advertising is a professional who works independently and collaborates with supporting members of his staff and digital team to develop new revenue streams for various digital offerings. This position is competitive because of its vital role in increasing sales and retaining existing clientele.
Responsibilities
The sales director in digital advertising sells online ad campaigns on social sites such as Twitter, MySpace and Facebook and other sites' properties your company represents. He negotiates and closes deals thus must develop relationships with top-tier interactive advertising agencies and direct clients responsible for advertising. He develops and sells online advertising and sponsorship programs to these clients and ad agencies as well as meets and exceeds sales goals and objectives by developing and executing sales plans including prospecting, sales and retention activities.
Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that different factors such as the employee's responsibilities, experience, education, the size and location of the firm, and the industry concerned determine earnings. A sales director's salary is also determined by the size of his sales territory. Starting salaries for marketing majors graduating in 2009, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, averaged $43,325. As of May 2008, sales directors can earn median wages of up to $97,260 per year.
Competencies
To be a sales director, you must be a self-starter, possess tenacity and high motivation with an ability to negotiate and close deals. You need a history of meeting and exceeding aggressive revenue targets. A strong existing relationship with online advertising agencies and online marketers is a desirable advantage. Demonstrate an articulate, confident presentation style with good interpersonal skills. You also must demonstrate expertise in analysis and creativity. This helps respond to advertisers' request for proposals and a passion for social networking and the interactive marketplace.
Education
A bachelor of science or bachelor of arts in sales and marketing, advertising or journalism is preferable for you to qualify as a sales director in advertising. Some employers also require a master's degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing. Courses in business law, management, economics, accounting, finance, mathematics and statistics are advantageous. A relevant course of study might include classes in marketing, consumer behavior, market research, sales, communication methods and technology, visual arts, art history, and photography.
Experience
You must have at least six years' experience in prospecting and client requests for proposals, plus five years' or more of digital advertising or media sales experience which includes multiple platforms. You must also have at least three years of experience in desktop publishing applications, Google Analytics, Omniture, graphics or photo programs and extensive usage of PowerPoint. In addition, the completion of an internship in a digital media or advertising firm while you are still in college is highly recommended.
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